It’s another Thanksgivukkah this fall of 2021, meaning an overlap of Thanksgiving weekend with Hanukkah. So, if your household is like mine, the holiday menu includes turkey and potato latkes and apple pie and jelly doughnuts. I am thrilled that Sofia and family will be home for the holiday weekend. In between cooking and eating and playing we will read an adorable new book together, “Latkes for Santa Claus.” I know she will love it.
Latkes for Santa Claus
Author Janie Emaus has written a modern day story that will delight children and their families. Anna is a little girl who becomes part of a blended family, with a new father and stepbrother Michael who are not Jewish. Intrigued by the notion of Santa Claus, Anna speculates that Jolly Saint Nick must be up to here with so many cookies left by thoughtful boys and girls. Surely he would appreciate another kind of treat after his long trip from the North Pole.
She considers matzo ball soup. Santa can’t eat soup with his fingers, Michael tells her. What about noodle kugel? Same problem, Michael chimes in. Tzimmes (a vegetable stew) is yummy. What about that? Michael nixes that one as well. He maintains that his sugar cookies are exactly the right treat for Santa.
Anna realizes she needs a treat that Santa can eat with his fingers that won’t get his red coat messy. What could it be?
That’s where the latkes come in.
A heartwarming holiday story
A holiday tale that can be shared again and again, “Latkes for Santa Claus” is perfect for young children aged three to six, particularly those who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. For those of us who read the book to our little ones, the theme of valuing and sharing traditions is a gentle lesson of acceptance and inclusion.
As a bonus, there are recipes for Potato Latkes and Sugar Cookies at the end of the book. I know Sofia and I will have fun making both of them.
I received a copy of “Latkes for Santa Claus” as a gift from the author. One of my lucky readers will receive a copy of this book by leaving a comment on the Books is Wonderful Facebook page.
Happy Thanksgivukkah to all who celebrate!
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